ADVISORY: The following chapter contains sensitive material relating to: kidnapping, pollution, murder, blades, blood, and trauma. Remember to practice self care before, during, and after reading.
Chapter: 114 Daughter of the North
"Even the noblest of leaders are not free from hypocrisy."
A bold endeavor! Jedi Knight Elsa Dellian has reached a point of no return. Choosing to aid her homeworld of Aren, she takes her Padawan and the 213th into deep space. With tensions rising and the fate of an entire planet at stake, many wonder what Elsa possibly plans to do. For to overthrow a regime is to ignite a war. And to ignite a war...is to bring about death...
Elsa Dellian was no stranger to the vortex of hyperspace. And yet each time she stared into its glowing void, her mind wandered elsewhere. She'd drift off into the most beautiful dream, or witness a horrid nightmare. The culminating thoughts left her in a constant state of uncertainty, wondering whether or not it was best to be left alone with them. And while she'd often faced such ruminations on her own for years, she didn't have to anymore. A familiar presence drifted into her Force senses as she tilted her head with intrigue. The approaching being's curious energy was matched only by his rising concern. Stel Sovan stepped closer to his master as she offered a kindly smile. He went to fidget with his braid, but his hands quickly dropped to his sides and swayed instead. Proud of stopping himself, he boasted a grin and focused on his mentor.
"How are you holding up?" Elsa asked the young Theelin.
"Alittlenervous," he confessed. "I don't know when we're gonna come out of lightspeed. But every moment we wait makes my heart beat faster."
"That's normal," Elsa assured and gazed across theDeliverance'sexpansive viewport. "Believe it or not-" she whispered and leaned towards him. "-I'm terrified."
Stel furrowed his blue brows in bewilderment. "How can you be-" he choked on his sharp whispers. "Master, this whole thing is your operation."
"And that doesn't make me any less frightened for everyone involved," Elsa explained. "Stel...my old master used to say that being brave is all about being scared. It's about being terrified over what you're going to do and then doing it anyway." She took a deep breath and knelt before her student. Lightspeed's proud colors streaked across her concerned face as she gripped Stel's shoulder. "No matter how scared we are. No matter how lost we feel...We must cling to a single truth. That if we don't do something about this,no onewill." Stel's solemn nod had Elsa rubbing his shoulder. "Padawan," she continued. "I can't guarantee you'll understand all of my emotions on Aren or that I'll be the same person you know me as. You may hear things said about me, depending on who we meet."
"What are you talking about?" Stel asked, genuinely confused.
Elsa sighed. "My ties to Aren extend beyond simply being born there. Stel, my parents once ruled the planet as king and queen." At first taken aback by the information, Stel's eyes widened in astonishment. "My sister and I were saved from the government's collapse during a terrible riot. And frankly, I'm still coming to terms with it all."
"Wh-" Stel stopped himself, unsure whether or not he even had a right to ask. Elsa took the boy's hand and nodded to welcome his words. "What...happened to your parents?" he asked.
Having braced herself for the inevitable question, Elsa answered. "They were both killed in the riot. And I kept memories of them and all of Aren suppressed for years. These days, I tell myself that they gave their lives so Anna and I could have ours."
"I'm so sorry," Stel uttered.
"Don't be," Elsa insisted. "I'm here because I'm holding on to what they stood for. At least that's what I'm going to keep clinging to." Elsa pulled herself from the mental images of her fallen parents and focused on Stel. "What about you?" she asked. "Do you remember your family at all?"
The Theelin pursed his thin lips and hummed deeply. "I remember...playing with toys on a wide carpet." He couldn't help but chuckle at the memory. "And then freaking my mom or dad out when I sent my stuffed animals flying through the air. One of them screamed like a crazy porg. Maybe it was both? I don't recall much besides someone being called to take me to Coruscant. I do think about them often though. And hope that no matter where they are in the galaxy, that I'm making them proud."
Elsa simpered. "I think that's all any of us want," she answered. "To be accepted by those who brought us into this galaxy." Alerts rang out overhead as the bridge crew braced themselves. Elsa's heart sank as she realized they were blasting out of hyperspace. "This is it," she whispered and hastily rose to her feet.
With a thunderous bang, theDeliverancesoared into the Unknown Regions and glided alongside a vibrant nebula. Enormous, vaporous clouds yielded to sporadic bursts of newborn stars. This celestial nursery set the Venator's hull aglow as Elsa observed their surroundings. "What is this?" she asked.
"Our best shot," Admiral Taka explained from the rear holotable. "We couldn't emerge directly in front of Aren's atmosphere. A ship our size would be easy to detect and this entire endeavor would be over before it began. Taka beckoned Elsa and Stel to her table. "But after a holoscan of everything within Aren's range, I've chosen this nebula to serve as our ideal base point. At a distance, it's large enough to mask our station and tracking signals cannot pass through it." Taka swept her hand across the holotable and retrieved a spherical projection. "Plus it keeps us in flight range of Aren with minimal fuel consumption."
"Taka, you genius." Elsa lauded.
"Don't thank me yet," the admiral muttered. "This is still your operation. How do you want to go about this, Elsa?"
All eyes fell upon her as Commander Frost and Chieftain Ryder stood by the main doors. "Chieftain," Elsa inquired. "You said your enclave was destroyed, but is there any other place the Northuldra would travel to? Somewhere we could search for survivors?"
Ryder squinted at the projection of his homeworld. Ruminating on the past, he recounted a location from fond memory. "There is...one place," he considered. "Our people call it Hunter's Haven. It was a sanctuary created by our ancestors far to the north. When Northuldra youth first become hunters, they undergo a rite of passage within this sacred cavern." Ryder swallowed the rising lump in his throat. "If there was any hope that my sister or anyone else made it out, I'd have to believe that they'd go there." He hovered his hand over a region on the hologram.
"Then may the Force guide us," Elsa responded before turning to Frost. "Commander, let's get LAAT-5 prepped. And I want a scouting party assembled to see this Hunter's Haven firsthand. Admiral Taka, keep theDeliverancewithin this nebula."
"Affirmative," the admiral answered. "However, keep in mind that Aren's signals will be blocked from reaching us. So any attempt at communication will require alternative means."
"Or at least precise timing," Frost considered. "Elsa...admiral...if you agree. Have the Deliverance briefly move out of the nebula for scheduled check-ins."
"They'd have to be incredibly brief to avoid discovery," Elsa added.
"And you wouldhaveto make sure you were prompt," Taka intoned. Despite attempting to mask her frustration, the admiral huffed. "The risks are piling on and we haven't even gone planetside yet. Let's take this one step at a time. Prep your scout ship and launch to Aren. We'll set our first comm check in for fifteen hours from now. All of this only functions if we work together. If at any point either side of this operation is compromised, we reconvene and reassess. Understood?" Taka's audience was in agreement as they departed for the hangar. As she found herself alone with her officers, she took a moment to slow her breathing. Taka loathed the uncertainty of it all, but chose to keep putting her faith in Elsa. After all...if the ship was to go down, they'd all be crashing together.
Supply crates hovered and clanged into the back of LAAT-5's hold. "Locked down and loaded!" a trooper hollered while Frost gratefully nodded. Rip, Doubles, and several other clones were assembled for orders when a pilot stormed up behind him.
"Commander," Toto grunted, bringing Frost to a quick turn. "What's the meaning of this?" He jabbed a finger towards the cockpit, where another pilot was suiting up. "You want to tell me why some shiny has his hands on my ship?"
"You need a co-pilot," Frost answered simply.
Toto huffed while angrily clenching his helmet. "Respectfully sir, I have flown countless missions by myself. Haven't I proven-"
"This isn't aboutprovinganything, kid." Frost spoke in his calm, yet assertive tone. "No one here is questioning your skills. By the Force, you're probably the best pilot in the 213th. But this isn't about you. This is about surviving, and that comes down to every split decision. Youneeda co-pilot. I miss old Donz too and no one will ever replace him." Frost sighed in remorse as Toto hung his head. "But if he was still here, youknowhe'd be scolding you for flying solo this long. There's already so much at stake on this mission."
Toto glanced over at LAAT-5. "This was always his gunship."
"And in a way, it always will be." Frost assured. "Every time you power up the engines and take flight, Donz's legacy lives on. Through you-" He pat the pilot's shoulder and motioned him towards the new co-pilot. "-andeveryclone who follows."
As Frost stepped away to check on the others, Toto took a moment to himself before approaching the new pilot. Upon seeing his partner, the rookie faced front and offered a salute. "CT-2876," he greeted. "They call me Smokey, sir."
Recalling the words of his former mentor, Toto smiled sympathetically. "You must be my new co-pilot," he uttered, almost hearing Donz's echo. Toto pressed a nurturing hand to LAAT-5's hull and smiled. "Welcome aboard our pride and joy, shiny," he quipped. "Buckle up."
"Our?" Smokey questioned while following Toto in.
Eager to board, Stel lunged into the gunship alongside Rip and Doubles. The trio was like a set of chaotic siblings, roughhousing until Elsa's motherly glare forced them back into order. How innocent they all seemed. She only wished the circumstances were better for them. She looked to Frost as he said, "We're geared up and ready for launch."
"What exactly are we geared up with?" Elsa inquired, almost dreading the answer.
"Survival supplements, comm equipment-" Frost paused, knowing his next answer would be inevitably upsetting. "Along with explosives and ammunition." His heart sank with her closing eyes. "Elsa, you know I respect your code-"
"I know," she quickly interrupted. "I'm grateful for that. And believe me, I understand the precaution. I just hope it doesn't come to that."
Elsa could sense the conflict rising within her commander's thoughts. He wanted to blurt something out in response. It was desperate, worrisome, and all the more stressful against her shoulders. "Elsa-" was all he could beckon before she spoke up.
"Every moment we spend up here is a chance the Northuldra are losing. If we are to leave, it must be now."
"You're right," Frost affirmed and gently nodded. He suppressed his thoughts while the subject itself had him focusing on her lightsaber. He continued to do so as they boarded the gunship. As the hatches sealed and a set of overhead lights painted the party in solid red, Elsa cleared her throat.
She stood before her scouting team and looked to each and every one of them. From her young Padawan, to Ryder and the loyal clones, Elsa had amassed a squad who'd follow her into the unknown. "To be a hero is to take a stand," she said. "No matter how many people try to silence your voice and tell you to sit back down, youstand. And that's what we've all done by coming here today. There are people down on Aren who need to know they can stand too.Thatis why we are here. And-" Elsa bit back a stammer while peering down at her Padawan. "And no matter what happens...it is an honor to be with all of you in this moment."
Her words were met with brief nods until Stel declared, "May the Force be with us."
All heads swiveled to the boy as a smirk snuck across Elsa's lips. "Always," she affirmed while a rumble rippled across LAAT-5's hull. Its occupants grabbed their respective handholds as the gunship launched out of theDeliverance'shangar. Soaring beyond the nebula's glow, LAAT-5 set course for Aren.
"Here goes everything," Frost murmured to himself, keeping a taut grip on his handhold.
The rattling of a ship breaching any planet's atmosphere always seemed to catch Elsa off guard. She tensed up and tried redirecting her focus to Ryder. "Once we level out-" she began. "-I want you to join me in the cockpit. You're our only chance at finding Hunter's Haven."
Another bout of turbulence had the supply crates shaking as Toto hollered, "Stabilizing!"
A distinct whir pulsed throughout the ship as Smokey rerouted power from the primary boosters. "Stable," the co-pilot alerted.
Elsa nodded to Ryder and the duo weaved their way to the gunship's nose. Peeking through its upper viewport, they glimpsed the saddening juxtaposition that was their homeworld. While vast expanses of Aren's snowy landscape remained, one could not ignore the distant smokestacks of industry in the distance. Elsa loosed an involuntary gasp. "It wasn't like this before," she uttered. "You couldn't even see the foundries."
"The Aren have moved their mining facilities further north," Ryder lamented. "They thought we wouldn't notice. By the time anyone had caught on to their newly established settlements, they'd already invaded our enclave. Breaking several treaties in the process, mind you." Ryder huffed in dismay. "Honeymaren never did believe they'd keep their word. We should've listened to her all along and now she's...She could be-"
Elsa placed a reassuring hand on his back. "Don't let your fear of the unknown shroud the situation. We will discover her fate together." Her calm affirmation brought a faint smile to his face as he gazed out of the viewport. They were so close to ground level that it almost felt like LAAT-5 would scrape against one of the pine trees.
"That's it, rookie." Toto told Smokey. "Keep it steady...keep it low. If there are any trackers in the area, this will keep us just under their scans."
Ryder's eyes widened as he glimpsed a series of jagged gullies on the horizon. Snowy ledges yielded to a shadowy collection of oblong rock formations and gravelly inclines. "There!" Ryder alerted and pointed over Toto's seat. "That's it!"
Gazing into the gorge, Elsa leaned towards Toto and asked, "Think you can set us down in there?"
"I've got this," he assured while the duo returned to their handholds. "Smokey, initiate landing procedures." Toto's copilot reduced thruster power while he dipped LAAT-5 towards the gully. The broad-winged craft glided to a halt, kicking up gravelly clouds before ultimately opening its hatches.
As the gunship's lights powered down, its occupants were left to step into a dreary and vacuous void. There was a distinct chill in the air as Elsa led the way for her scout team to disembark. Gravel crunched and shifted beneath their boots as they surveyed the grim scene. While Republic troops were quick to establish a perimeter around LAAT-5, Ryder knelt before one of the protruding stones. Its colossal essence was able to completely cover the chieftain in shadow. Elsa and Stel watched as he basked in his presence and earnestly bowed his head to pray.
"Mothers and fathers-" Ryder began. "Brothers and sisters of the past. Guide us through this period of suffering. Grant us your wisdom and bestow your legacy to those willing to listen." Elsa gently rubbed his back as he rose from the ground. Together, they observed the gravely stretch of terrain. "Can you...senseanything?" Ryder asked.
Elsa took her time, stepping alongside her Padawan and examining the jutting ledges on each side of the gullies. "There is a coldness here-"
"I could've told you that," Rip mumbled until Doubles smacked him upside the head.
"One of despair," Elsa elaborated. Sharing the Force with her apprentice, she brought her attention to Stel. "Search your feelings," she said and closed her eyes. "What doyousense?"
Despite how eerily silent it was, the young Theelin was too antsy to quiet his mind. He pursed his purple lips and scoured his senses for an answer. "Little...creatures?"
Elsa raised her brows. "And where do you see them in your mind's eye?"
"Up there," Stel said, blatantly pointing towards a burrow.
"Wait, what?" Elsa's eyes shot open. She hurriedly followed Stel's pointed finger to several curious, timid eyes emerging from the shadows. One of the tiny beings had gotten overly curious, and accidentally tumbled forward into the light. The child's bulbous, stony nose perked up along with its mossy, pointed ears. Its gasp was short before the other children pulled it back into the burrow.
"Trolls!" Ryder gasped in relief before lunging ahead. "It's alright!" he called to them. "These people are here to help! I am Chieftain Ryder of the Northuldra!"
His declaration prompted voices to stir from the surrounding burrows. "Elsa?" Frost murmured while keeping his head swiveling.
"I see them," she assured as multiple figures emerged from all sides. Before the scouting group knew it, they were surrounded by Trolls and Northuldra survivors alike. Shocked whispers of Ryder's return swept across the burrows while others had to see for themselves.
"Chieftain?" a Northuldra man beckoned while hobbling out of the shadows. "My chieftain? Is it really you?" While his fur-clad, muscular frame had dwindled...his warrior resolve was far from quashed.
"Dovos," Ryder rejoiced as the warrior fell into his embrace. "Thank the sun." As they hugged, Elsa couldn't help but notice the cauterized scar running across Dovos' face.
"We feared you'd been killed," the warrior sighed.
"My sister," Ryder blurted. "Where is Honeymaren? Is she safe?"
Dovos' broad nose wrinkled as he hung his head. "It's...complicated."
Ryder furrowed his brows and tightened his grip on Dovos' shoulders. "I haven't come this far for things to be complicated," he grumbled. "What happened to my sister?"
Dovos found a smooth slab along the slope and sat down. Resting his aching body, he spoke his lament. "We weren't the only ones to be attacked, my chieftain. The Aren also planned several raids on Troll settlements, collectively forcing any survivors north. With you missing and anyone in your company dead, we had no choice but to leave with who we could find. It broke Chieftain Honeymaren to leave so many behind, but she knew it meant putting the rest of us at risk when we'd barely escaped. So we pushed to Hunter's Haven, gathering Troll refugees along the way. Their leader is-" Dovos gestured to the Trolls continuing to creep out of the burrows. "-somewherein that mess of grief. But rather than wallow in sorrow like so many, your sister was keen on striking back."
Frustration simmered within Ryder. "With what force?" he groaned.
"Her own," Dovos sighed. "I tried stopping her, but you know as well as any of us that she was gonna be set in her way." With refugee children present, Dovos lowered his voice. "We used to think the Aren were just trying to exterminate us. But after the attacks, they've been rounding up survivors in the north. Capturing them for who knows what. Chieftain Honeymaren couldn't let it rest. The more she hid away here, the more restless she became. So last week, she set off on her own and hasn't been seen since."
Anguish took hold as Ryder stormed off. Elsa started to give chase until she noticed her Padawan following. "Wait here, Stel," she asserted and continued after him. "Ryder," she called while sensing his distress. "Ryder!"
Rather than let his people see him suffer, Ryder slipped into one of the burrows and collapsed against its dusty wall. His impulsive whimper echoed towards Elsa as she quickened her pace to him. Her silhouette calmly approached as Ryder clawed at the terrain. "One week," he uttered. "I took too long, Elsa."
"Ryder-"
"If only I'd gotten here sooner. If I hadn'twastedmy time with the Republic! If I hadn't left I could've-"
"If you hadn't left-" Elsa interrupted. "You might be dead." He raised his head, tears streaking down his tired face. "If you'd never escaped, you never could've brought my team and I here to help."
"Help," Ryder croaked on the word. "Look at what's left of the Northuldra, Elsa. Things are worse than I could've imagined. And Honeymaren...What if she's-"
Elsa knelt before Ryder and took a deep breath. "There is much uncertainty in this place. But I want you to try something with me." Elsa held out her hands as Ryder scrubbed away his tears. "Reach out," she said as he cautiously took her hands. "You don't have to be a Jedi to connect with the world around you. The Force binds all living things through an energy field. I like to believe that even our thoughts and emotions are intertwined through it. Especially a bond as close as the one you share with your sister. Close your eyes, Ryder." He obliged and naturally took a deep breath with her. There was a calmness to pressing his thumbs against her palms as she continued. "Search within yourself. I want you to think deeply about Honeymaren. Not in fear or frustration, but out of the joy you two have shared."
Ryder knitted his brows as he searched past his pain. He sought to find comfort in the fondest thoughts. For while he had known struggle since early childhood, memories of laughing alongside his sister held true. And those thoughts carried a faint smile to his lips. "Hold on to those feelings once you have them," Elsa said. "For it is the Force speaking through you. Now...what do your senses tell you?"
Ryder sighed heavily and opened his eyes. "My sister is alive. Or so I hope."
Releasing his hands, Elsa calmly rose with him. "Do not discredit the power of hope," she said. "It's the only reason any of us have come this far. And itwillbe the reason we prevail."
Sniffling, Ryder bowed his head in respect. "Thank you, Elsa."
"My Padawan and I will investigate the path she took," the eldest Dellian said.
"But I'm coming with you," Ryder persisted until Elsa shook her head.
"Chieftain," she declined. "Your peoplejustgot one of their leaders back. Your survival in itself is a miracle to them. They need you here and I needyouto trust me." He almost spoke up again, but her raised hand had him backing off. "Trust me," she implored. "Hold true to your emotions, but do not be blinded by them."
Ryder nodded and slowly emerged from the burrow. Looking to his tired and wounded followers, he couldn't help but shake his head. "What have they done to deserve these dark days?" he grieved.
"No one deserves the suffering brought upon them," Elsa professed. "Not even the perpetrators. But do not focus on the pain they've caused you. Take this time to reconnect with your people." Elsa stepped out into the clouded sunlight and approached her commander. "Frost," she ordered in a hushed tone. "I'm going to scout ahead with Stel." Sensing his urgent call to join her, she quickly raised her voice and continued. "I need you here to watch over the refugees. Please do this for me."
"Only if you stay on comms," Frost boldly proposed.
Pursing her lips, Elsa obliged. "Of course," she assured. "Ifsomething goes wrong, you'll be the first to know. And should something happen on a call or should I not respond by nightfall...contact Taka before you search for me." Frost nodded and she pressed onward. "Step lively, Stel. We've got a trail to track." The Theelin's head poked up from the stones he was resting behind and he scurried to meet his master. "Dovos," she inquired. "Do you recall the route Chieftain Honeymaren took?"
The warrior scratched at his scruffy chin and pointed towards a stretch of pine trees just past the gullies. "She delved into those woods there. That was the last we'd seen of her."
"Thank you," Elsa replied before squinting at the man's unique scar. "Dovos," she queried. "If I may ask...how did you-" Gesturing to her face caused the man to tense up. It was as if simply mirroring his injury caused him to relive its horrors all over again.
"It-" Dovos stammered, clearing his throat. "It was a blade like no other. It could cut through anything. None of our people stood a chance against it. By the sun's grace, I barley managed to escape with my life."
Elsa raised a brow at the weapon's description. "Thisblade...what color was it?"
Dovos huffed as the saber's glow still shined in his mind's eye. "As bright as gold," he murmured. "It burnt like a blazing sun, but served as anything but a blessing."
Elsa slowly nodded at Dovos' recollection while departing with Stel. "Master?" the boy questioned her pensive expression as they neared the forest. "What's on your mind?"
"I'm thinking that Ryder's theory about killer Jedi might have some merit to it," she mumbled. "However, there have been instances in the past where Jedi have had their weapons stolen by imposters. So much remains unclear, and there is something fouler at work here." As they stepped into the forest, Elsa ran her fingers against a frosted tree trunk. "There is a chill that runs deeper than Aren's climate. And as you become more attuned to the Force, Padawan, you too will come to know this feeling. It will be the shadow to the light you're always trying to hold on to. The itch you feel when your passions take control. The cruel reminder that our very foundations are being tested every day."
"Now that you mention it-" Stel mumbled while vaulting over a log. "Somethingdoesfeel different about this place. It feels heavy and...off."
Elsa squinted across the treeline as if staring down an unseen foe. "It's the Dark Side, Stel. And it's hadyearsto thrive on Aren. Festering amid the corruption of those in power. Twisting in the hateful hearts of the oppressed. Spreading like a virus across the fires of industry."
"How do we stop it all?" Stel asked.
"We are Jedi," Elsa proclaimed. "As servants of light, we will bring peace and hope to this planet."
"Right..." Stel blissfully agreed. "But...howexactly?" Elsa craned her neck as they continued their walk. "The Dark Side sounds really...reallyevil. But how does peace defeat it?"
"It's...difficult to explain," Elsa admitted as their awkward silence was filled only by the crunch of snow at their feet.
"One time-" Stel blurted while trudging through slush. "-Master Adersen said that all Jedi would have to join the fight for peace. But that didn't make sense to me. Because if we want peace, why do we have to fight for it? Why even have lightsabers? Why-"
"Stel," Elsa groaned and she could almost feel him wince. She had to stop herself. Because while she was irritated with the boy's persistent inquiries, he wasn't wrong. And perhaps that was why the questions caused her so much stress.
"I'm sorry," Stel sighed and slouched his shoulders. "Too much?"
"No no no," Elsa insisted. "Always question everything. A wise politician once told me that." Elsa's remark brought glimpses of Ledai the Rodian back to her mind.
"Here's a question then," Stel prompted, having already become easily distracted. "Why don't Wookiees wear clothes?"
"Excuse me?" Elsa sputtered.
"I saw a Wookiee youngling once. He was all fur and no clothes. Why do I have to wear them then?" For all of the turmoil weighing on her shoulders, Elsa managed to squeeze out a chuckle. Such transitioned into a hearty laugh as Stel persisted. "I'm serious! You can't tell me that you've never found these robes itchy! Why can't I just run around in my underpants?"
Elsa bit back any further snickers. "Padawan," she said. "You truly are one of a kind."
Elsa and Stel's venture took them deeper into the woodland expanses. In time, thick and frosted trees yielded to a series of smooth slopes. The likes of which were easy to ascend, even as the occasional gust howled against them. "Watch your step," Elsa warned her student as they reached the final slope. The flattening mound offered a wide view of the surrounding landscape. Such a vista would've proven to be breathtaking had a series of smokestacks not ravaged the sight. It pained Elsa to hear a cacophony of drilling along the horizon. She almost wanted to sever her connection to the planet's living Force. For the longer she lingered on its surface, the greater she felt its pain.
"Master," Stel said and gave Elsa's sleeve a tug. She peered down and followed his pointed finger to a slithering road beneath the summit. A cylindrical transport glided down it before halting at a gated checkpoint.
Crouching along the slope's edge, Elsa scoured the area for a safe way down. Upon spotting several smaller ledges, she motioned for Stel to follow her lead. Together, they gently dropped from ledge to ledge...approaching the checkpoint below. It wasn't long until Aren's violet banner was clearly visible from its chromium post. Stel missed a step during his descent, and would've fallen further had Elsa not yanked him back up by the tabards. While she pulled him back to safety, his boots kicked snow back down towards the checkpoint. Each pale cluster clumped by a guardsman's boots and prompted him to glance up.
"Neviro!" a guardswoman hollered from the gate's adjacent side. "Quit screwing around!"
Putting an end to his suspicions, the Aren soldier returned to the task at hand. "Coming Yopa," he murmured and approached the first transport.
Yopa's burgundy uniform vividly contrasted against the icy road beneath her. "Cargo?" she sternly asked the driver.
"Twenty six prisoners suited for labor," the driver grumbled. "Rounded a few extra Trolls up for you just this morning."
Yopa gave a chap-lipped smirk and had to peek for herself. She strutted towards the transport's caged hold and observed the Trolls huddled inside. Banging her rifle against the bars, she prided herself on how much they shuddered. "Nice work," she lauded." 'The Pit' needs more smokestack cleaners anyway. They're cheaper than droids."
"The Pit?" Stel whispered sharply as Elsa urged him to keep his voice down. "Master, we have to do something!"
"And we will," she assured before cautiously poking her head over the ledge. "Follow my lead and keep your head down."
Yopa returned to her post while Neviro chuckled away. "All clear, Whistren," she declared to the gatekeeper. The third guard flashed a toothy grin and flipped a switch at his podium. Instead of powering down the laser gate, his action was met by an unusual buzzing. Impatient, Yopa raised a brow and spoke, "I said...all clear!"
"I know," Whistren huffed. The older guardsman angrily pattered away at his control panel. "I'm hitting the-..." Frustration took hold as he flailed an arm towards the gate. "It's not responding!"
As he raged over the frozen gate, Elsa kept her open palm dangling over her ledge. Using the Force, she focused on twisting the cords within the laser gate's emulator. By doing so, she was able to make the system malfunction from within. With the gate permanently stuck on its laser setting, the Aren guards became increasingly frustrated.
"What's the hold up?" the driver grumbled.
"Whistren!" Yopa growled. His flustered lack of a response caused her to angrily stomp towards the panel herself. Once her focus was given to the gate, Elsa and Stel made their move. Following his master, the Padawan slid down along the snowy ledge until they reached the checkpoint's outer wall. He and Elsa remained hidden as Yopa trudged into the small edifice. "What the hell is going on?"
"I flipped the switch," Whistren assured. "Just as I always have. We might have a faulty module or-"
"Move," Yopa barked and shoved her pudgy counterpart away from the controls. Furious, she twisted and typed away at a series of buttons. Her scowl deepened as the laser gate continued to hum outside.
With two guards inside, Elsa pressed her advantage with Stel in tow. They snuck across the snow and caused a light crunch beside the transport. "What was that?" the driver grumbled.
"I'll check it out," Neviro assured. Gripping his blaster rifle, he advanced towards the passenger's side of the vehicle. "Stay inside," he told the driver while slowly taking aim. With each passing step, Neviro felt an odd sensation rippling through him. As if some kind of otherworldly presence was pushing through boundaries he couldn't understand. The effect was dizzying as he forced himself to push on. Preparing himself for anything, Neviro took a deep breath and hurriedly rounded the transport's corner. It mattered not how quickly he had raised his weapon, for Neviro found himself face to face with Elsa's open palm. The Jedi had called upon the Force to bear influence over his presence. So much so, that Neviro couldn't even bring himself to fire at first. Focusing on his weak mind, Elsa swayed her hand across his face.
"You have new orders," she whispered.
"I-...have new...orders," Neviro repeated, all while continuing to lower his weapon.
"You will stun the driver. Then stun the others and lock yourself in the gatehouse," Elsa spoke like an enchantress casting a spell. Stel was completely awestruck as Neviro's posture straightened. As if becoming revived to her will, the guard popped open the driver's passenger door.
"Well?" the impatient oaf scoffed. No amount of dark circles under his eyes could shroud how far they were about to widen. Panic gripped the driver as Neviro aimed his rifle at him. "No," he gasped and fumbled to raise his hands. "No no no. No wait!" Rather than meet his end to a scorching blaster bolt, Neviro fired a stun blast. The blue-ringed beam struck the driver with enough force to have him plopping against the vehicle window.
Mystified by the effects of Elsa's strategy, Stel continued to watch as Neviro walked towards the gatehouse. "Yougottateach me how to do that," he jested.
"A mind trick is not to be taken lightly," Elsa answered. "And one wrong move can be the difference between life and death." She jogged to the caged hold and observed those trapped inside. While initial shock gripped the prisoners within, they were relieved to see non-uniformed figures. "Hold on," Elsa assured the captives. "We're going to get you all out of here. Trolls and Northuldra alike braced themselves as the Jedi returned to the front. Opening the driver's seat, Elsa pulled its stunned occupant out on to the ground. "Hop in, Padawan. We'll drive this all the way back to Hunter's Haven."
As Stel crept into the passenger seat, Neviro proceeded with his assigned task. Still under Elsa's mind trick, he opened the doors to the gatehouse. The sliding mechanism had Yopa and Whistren raising their heads in bewilderment. "What areyoudoing here?" Yopa scoffed. "Stay with the transport until we figure this out."
"Nev?" Whistren worried as his fellow guardsman remained unblinking.
Prepared to stun them, Neviro lifted his blaster once more. As he did so, Elsa tried to familiarize herself with the transport's elaborate controls. Getting a general sense for the accelerator and steering shifts, she prepared to bolt as soon as the guards were stunned. Her heart sank when a sharp blastershot echoed from outside. The brief, yet powerful flicker of red brought as much shock as it did confusion to the Jedi.
"I thought you told him to stun them?" Stel panicked while ducking beneath the dashboard.
"Idid," Elsa uttered and leaned for a closer look. To her surprise, smoke was emanating from a blaster wound in Neviro's back. It wasn't precise enough to deal a killing blow and had him staggering against the doorframe. Within moments, a second shot darted from the nearby treeline and finished him off. The mysterious shooter kept firing, forcing Yopa and Whistren to take up defensive positions.
"Stay down!" Elsa warned her Padawan and ignited the accelerator. While she was unsure who had foiled her stealthy plan, Elsa focused on getting the prisoners to safety. "Hold on, everyone!" she shouted while steering leftward.
Yopa forced herself on the offensive and noticed the Jedi aboard. "Someone's stealing the transport!" she brayed. "Cover me!" The mysterious shooter's blasts were sporadic and ineffective. While Whistren returned fire, Yopa shot at the transport's repulsorlift emitter. Landing a direct hit, the vehicle swerved out of Elsa's control and crashed into the summit.
A thick layer of snow plummeted against the windscreen while Elsa sought to Stel. "You alright?" she panted as laserfire peppered the doors.
"Ithinkso," he apprentice groaned. "What happened?" His question was met by Yopa's blaster bolts piercing the passenger window.
Ever the protective master, Elsa forced herself over to Stel's side and pulled him back. "Get behind me!" she ordered before leaping out into the snow. Before the guardswoman could unload another round, Elsa ignited her double-bladed lightsaber. Initially startled by the weapon, Yopa stumbled back. Her fight or flight kicked in as she opened fire once more. She set her rifle to rapid fire, pushing Elsa to keep up.
"Stel!" the Jedi hollered over blasterfire. "Free the prisoners and guide them back up!"
"But what about you?" the boy worried.
"Just go!" Elsa snapped. "I'll be right behind you!" Whistren emerged from the outpost and attempted to flank Elsa. With shots coming at her from both sides, the Jedi held her ground.
"Box her in!" Yopa growled while shooting away.
Unbeknownst to either guard, Elsa accepted the inconvenience. Shewantedall attention drawn to her. As she batted away incoming shots, she stole whatever glance she could manage at the crashed transport.Come on, Stel,she thought.Hurry!
The Theelin dashed to the caged hold and sparked up his lightsaber. The blade's sudden hiss had the already dazed prisoners shrieking and gasping. "It's alright!" Stel assured. "Everyone stand back!" Northuldran parents pulled their children out of range as Stel proceeded to slice the bars. Each sizzling fragment clamored against the frosted terrain. The cluster of captives inched forward while the Padawan beckoned them onward. "Follow me! This way!"
Elsa glimpsed Stel guiding the prisoners upward and prepared to finish the guards. Following the same technique she'd taught Stel, she continued to deflect blaster bolts until one of her attackers had to reload. Desperation had gotten the best of Yopa, and she'd actually abused the rapid fire settings on her weapon. Shots suddenly stopped pouring in from her side as the rifle's muzzle smoked from overheating. "Blast!" she cursed as Elsa made her move.
While continuing to block Whistren's shots, she sprinted over to Yopa.With enough momentum,she thought to herself.A swift knee to the jaw should be enough to knock her out. Just like how Anna taught you. This is it.
As Elsa prepared to strike, a bizarre shriek sounded from behind her. The agonizing wail was unsettling enough to halt both ElsaandYopa in their tracks. Both turned to see unmatched terror emanating from Whistren's face. His wide, sunken eyes remained unblinkingly fixed on the snow before him. For not only had his rifle fallen, but so had his very hands. Still cradling the weapon, each severed limb now dampened the snow in fresh crimson puddles. His shock was ended as the same, bloodied dagger was then thrust into his throat. A fur-clad, hooded figure threw Whistren's corpse to the ground. Withdrawing its blade from his twisted body, the stranger turned. And while its stance was powerful, there was hatred in Honeymaren's eyes. The likes of which could not even be softened by the liberation of her people, but by the demise of her oppressors. Her dark brows narrowed as she focused on Elsa.
"Behind you!" Honeymaren warned while Yopa's weapon cooled off. Before the guardswoman could shoot, Elsa Force-pushed her into one of the outpost's walls. The strike was enough to have her groaning and toppling over into the snow. With their final foe incapacitated, Honeymaren trudged past Elsa. Flicking Whistren's blood from her dagger, she raised it towards Yopa's unconscious body. To Honeymaren's surprise, Elsa suddenly held her arm back. "Get off!" Honeymaren scoffed and wriggled herself free. She went to strike again, but Elsa Force-pulled her away this time. "What are you-"
"She is beaten," Elsa intoned. "Leave her."
"Beaten?" Honeymaren croaked. "She's stillalive!"
Honeymaren's next lunge towards Yopa was met with an aggressive Force pull. But before the chieftain could offer a rebuttal, the duo heard a sudden chime. Still blipping from his severed hand, Whistren's comlink received a transmission."This is Pit Post Four,"a voice crackled."Distress signal received. Reinforcements inbound."
"We need to go," Elsa implored. She raised her voice as Honeymaren glared at Yopa's body. "Now."When Honeymaren still didn't respond, Elsa stormed up to her. "Your people need you! Yourbrotherneeds you."
Mentioning Ryder caught Honeymaren's attention. She glanced at the slope's upper ledges. She could see Stel struggling to keep track of so many Northuldra and Trolls by himself. With a reluctant grunt, Honeymaren obliged and the duo dashed over to help. "Up this way!" She helped guide the survivors. "Hurry!"
"Chieftain Honeymaren?" a Northuldran prisoner rejoiced. "You've come back for us!"
"I will not abandon you, nor any of our people," she assured while lifting him to the next ledge.
The whir of enemy vehicles down the path grew louder. "They're coming!" a young Troll panicked.
Realizing they had to hasten their pace, Elsa pulled her Padawan over. "Stel," she guided while raising her hands. "Together now. Use the Force to smooth out the slope. Shift snow and make it easier for them to climb. See it in your mind!" Using their combined abilities, it was as if the Jedi were sifting through the perilous ledges. They gently finessed each portion of the climb, allowing Honeymaren and her people to travel with greater ease. "That should be good enough," Elsa said. "Now-"
Several sharp bangs rang out along the slope. While they weren't bright enough to be blaster bolts, the fearsome projectiles struck nearby stones. As the wave of shots passed, Elsa's stomach dropped when Stel fell forward. His yelp had her gasping as he fell into her arms, wincing in pain. "Stel?" Elsa worried. "Stel!"
Still unsure over what he'd been hit with, her only thought was to carry her Padawan and keep dashing up the slope. While her heart raced, she found comfort in a lack of blood or smell of burnt flesh. "Padawan?" she called once more. "Talk to me. Stel?"
The Theelin winced in her embrace as she ran. "What...wasthat?"
"Wasn't a blaster," Elsa panted while getting out of range. "Maybe a slugthrower. Something low-powered. Cycler rifle would've killed you." She slowly set him down as they reached the top of the slope. "Are you hit? Can you...walk?"
Stel cautiously put pressure on both legs. "I...thinkso?" he murmured while patting himself down. Elsa gave him a quick once-over, checking for any wounds. "Felt like something bit me."
"You're okay," Elsa assured. "The shots around you blasted rock fragments everywhere. It was likely debris." Noticing Stel descending into overthinking, Elsa reeled him back in. "Hey," she spoke calmly. "You were so brave down there. And I am immensely proud of you."
"Thanks, master." Stel said.
Their moment was drained of all sentiment as Honeymaren rallied the liberated survivors. "This way!" she declared before marching into the woodlands.
"You'd think this whole operation was her idea," Stel griped.
"Maybe it was," Elsa sympathized. "We just had very different ways of going about it." While Honeymaren led the caravan, the Jedi trailed behind to tend to any stragglers.
The sun was setting over Aren's frigid north. Its restless void of icy fields remained juxtaposed beneath a fiery sky. Yet this conflagration highlighted a tired, hopeful group as they made their way to salvation. The last few slivers of daylight streaked against Commander Frost's visor. He kept watch over the gullies, occasionally using his macrobinoculars to scan for lifeforms. Much to his relief, spotting several fur-capped heads on the horizon brought him comfort. He sighed in relief to see Elsa's blonde bun prevailing even in the dim light.
"Ryder!" Frost shouted. "They're back!" As the chieftain emerged from a burrow, Frost issued orders to his men. "Bring up a med crate. They have wounded."
Despite the fury she'd come to harbor, seeing her brother did bring comfort to Honeymaren's heart. Her shoulders finally relaxed as she entered Hunter's Haven. Yanking off her hood, tears flooded her eyes as she ran to Ryder. The siblings shared an embrace so desperately elated, that it made Elsa miss Anna. "I thought I'd lost you," Honeymaren whispered, squeezing Ryder's shoulders to make sure he was real.
"I thought I'd losteveryone," Ryder lamented and Honeymaren pressed her forehead to his.
Elsa stumbled up to Frost and panted, "Thanks for keeping things safe. It looks like there's a facility further north where-"
"Hey," Frost spoke smoothly and helped her sit. "Take a breather. You haven't stopped since we landed."
"There's so much to do," Elsa fretted.
"And we'll get it done. You just rescued a whole group. Let's focus on getting them what they need."
"You're right," Elsa concurred and smiled gently. Frost patted her back while she glanced over at Stel. Her Padawan was recounting their daring exploits to Rip and Doubles, who were enamored by his animated gestures. "I had a scare back there."
"Oh?" Frost inquired.
"Some slug shots went off during a firefight," Elsa explained. "I thought I'd lost the boy. And it's crazy to me that no matter how many years have passed...it just took that one moment to feel like a child again. To feel as helpless as I was when my parents were shot. What would I have even done, Frost?"
"I don't know," Frost professed and rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "But what Idoknow...is that Stel is alive. And he's alivebecauseof your training."
Elsa simpered and gave the commander's hand a squeeze. "Thank you, Frost. You always know what to say."
Honeymaren parted from Ryder's arms and glanced at the clone troopers. "H-...how is this possible?"
"I escaped," Ryder explained. He struggled to clear his throat, as if still feeling unworthy of his explanation. "I got help. I got the Republic!"
Honeymaren's smile faltered. "But how much help are theyreallygoing to be?" She spoke up enough so that Elsa could here her. The Jedi kept quiet while even Stel stopped telling his story. The silence was just another jab to Honeymaren. "I know you heard me, Jedi," she jeered. "Why are you here if you're just going to make matters worse and give us false hope?"
"Sister," Ryder tried to intervene.
"If the Republic wants to get its hands dirty...fine." Honeymaren said. "But then send us a warrior." Her words drew crowds from their burrows as Honeymaren leaned closer. "Nota coward."
Frost was about to speak up for Elsa when she rose from her seat. "I have faced words like yours for far too long," she countered.
"Andstillhave nothing to show for it," Honeymaren fired back. Feeding off of her encroaching crowd, she raised her voice and pointed at Elsa. "This Jedi claims to come as a liberator. A savior in our name and as one of our people. And yet she isn't willing tokillthe very people whoslaughterus!" Her words sparked whispers among Northuldra and Trolls alike. "I watched her spare one of the Aren soldiers myself."
"She wasbeaten," Elsa reiterated.
"Because you pushed her into a wall?" Honeymaren growled. "And then what, Jedi? Do you think that woman will just wake up to some epiphany? That she'll just stop being a soldier? These people are the enemy for a reason! Theyhateus! And that woman will wake up to only hate us more!"
"That entire encounter wouldn't have even happened ifyouhadn't intervened with my plan," Elsa refuted and garnered the crowd's attention. "My Padawan and I could've pulled everyone out of there without raising a single alarm. But becauseyouinaccurately opened fire-" she gestured to the stolen pistol on Honeymaren's belt. "-the guards were alerted to our presence and able to call for reinforcements. They were also able to destroy the very vehicle we could've harvested for supplies."
Honeymaren's breaths quickened as certain peers considered Elsa's logic. "You-...you cannot ignore your unwillingness to destroy our enemies. You can't be one of us if-"
"But whether any of us have a say in it or not...Iamconnected to all of you. We cannot deny legacy. My motherwasNorthuldra and I refuse to run from this past any longer. The Republic can help you free Aren. I know...Ibelievewe can do this. But if we fight with the hatred Honeymaren calls on, we will ultimately lose. Fight with hatred and you will becomeexactlywhat the Aren believe you are."
"So we should submit to servitude?" a tired Northuldra coughed. "I overheard our driver shortly after we were captured! We were to replace those who had been worked todeathin the factory!"
"No!" Elsa spoke up as other voices stirred. "And we will work together to end these labor camps. But any and all plans we create cannot succeed if we are divided from within."
"Finally something we agree on," Honeymaren snarked. "So how about this? You leave us with your troops to assist, and you can return to preaching in your peaceful capital?"
"I'm not going anywhere," Elsa replied. "And I won't let you take the Northuldra down a reckless path." Closing her eyes, Elsa could feel the Force around her. She could sense the troubled essence entrenching Honeymaren and so many others. Anxiety filled the air, and Elsa knew Honeymaren would always be challenging her for authority. Thinking back to her visit to the Northuldra enclave with Yelena, she recalled a ritual she'd seen between feuding warriors. Taking a deep breath, Elsa made her call. "I choose to settle our differences here and now," she said as her adversary raised a brow. "Chieftain Honeymaren-" Elsa opened her eyes. "I challenge you to single combat." A series of gasps filled the nighttime air as Honeymaren stood her ground. "No unfair advantages," Elsa explained while unclipping her utility belt and handing it to Frost. "We do so in accordance with Northuldra custom."
"Elsa," Frost whispered while taking her equipment. "Are you sure about this?"
"No," she whispered back. "But it's the only way."
"Honeymaren," Ryder implored. "You don't have to-"
"Iaccept," she was quick to answer. "Dovos," she called. "A pair of hunting spears." Elsa squinted suspiciously, for she'd last seen Northuldra battling each other with non-lethal staffs. Honeymaren graciously gripped each tautly-wrapped spear before tossing one to Elsa. "I'd offer you my elaborate terms based on the victor, but I'll keep this simple. We fight...to thedeath." Elsa didn't even answer as she flourished the spear in a Form II position. Keeping her guard up, her power stance was enough to give Stel enough confidence in her. Still, the Padawan nervously gripped the edges of his tabards. The crowd formed a combat circle between the gullies as Honeymaren steadied her spear. "Nowyou have nothing to say?" she griped as Elsa remained calmly idle. Fed up with her silence, Honeymaren charged.
While Elsa anticipated a lunge, the chieftain suddenly sprung upward. Launching into the air, Honeymaren swept the spear and forced Elsa to duck. This was but a distraction to lead the Jedi directly into her trap. As she dropped, Honeymaren kicked the ducking Elsa down into the snow. The ensuing strike prompted gasps as she hurriedly leapt back to her feet. Without breaking a sweat, Honeymaren regained her footing. Eyeing Elsa, she took a jab at her. The eldest Dellian parried this time, batting her opponent's spear leftward. With Honeymaren's weapon cleared, Elsa pushed back with her bare hand.
The frustration of being shoved fueled Honeymaren as she quickened her pace. Spinning her spear towards Elsa, she initiated a series of sporadic jabs. Elsa stayed light on her feet, meeting each attack with the center of her spear. If experience had taught her anything, Honeymaren would sneak another attack again. Likely one without her weapon. Even as Elsa blocked, she kept an eye on Honeymaren's hands. While the chieftain's right never faltered from the spear, her left would occasionally drop with Elsa's movements. Realizing that Honeymaren was probing for weaknesses, Elsa braced herself. She fought to keep herself impenetrable, even as her foe backed her out of the circle. A mere stumble from Elsa's boot was enough for Honeymaren to push an advantage. As Elsa predicted, the chieftain dropped her left hand while their spears were locked. With a ferocious grunt, Honeymaren curled her arm and moved to elbow Elsa.
Prepared, the Jedi snatched her arm in time. But Honeymaren was stronger than anticipated as she continued to push through Elsa's grip. So much so, that both opponents swung their spears in an effort to break through the other's move. While Elsa struck with the butt of her staff, Honeymaren used the tip and drew blood.
"Master!" Stel yelled on impulse. The fabric along Elsa's shoulder shredded before spurts of scarlet dotted the ground. The sting had her clenching the flesh wound while Stel continued to panic. "No!" Frost held the Padawan back in an effort to calm him down, but even he grew concerned. In any other battle, Elsa would've Force-pushed her foe away. But she was truly honoring the Northuldra custom. So much so, that she was deliberately shutting herself off to her reflexes.
In a horrid twist, focusing onnotusing the Force only ruined her focus even further. It was like cutting out a vital organ and expecting herself to function. Honeymaren was on the attack again, this time going for Elsa's torso. The Jedi dodged as her opponent went for an overhead strike. This was yet another one of Honeymaren's traps. For as Elsa raised her arms to block, her shoulder wound caused her defense to weaken. Honeymaren hit with enough momentum to bring Elsa to her knees. But rather than find another opening, she chose to make a spectacle of her opponent. Repeatedly striking Elsa's spear, she savored every rage-filled impact. And as her weapon started to splinter, Honeymaren finished it off with a mighty swing.
The spear split in two and fell to Elsa's knees. Before the Jedi could even salvage the pointed end, Honeymaren kicked her to the floor. "Sister!" Ryder bellowed. "That's enough! Hasenoughblood not been spilled among us?"
"She knew the rules!" Honeymaren shouted to all. "She challengedme-" Frost started discreetly reaching for his rifle. "-I obliged."
Elsa lay sprawled across the snow in a daze. Her chest ached from where she'd been kicked, and she slowly peered up to see Honeymaren looming over her. The raging chieftain had raised her spear for a final impalement as the world seemed to slow. For in those moments and despite her vast array of accomplishments, it was easy for Elsa to feel like she'd failed. To have put so much faith into an unknown risk, believing herself to be enough. Perhaps those who spoke of her delusions were right.
"Master!" Stel wailed.
"Look away," Elsa croaked amid her dizziness. Whether she temporarily severed her connection to the Force or not, its memories were forever tied to her.
Look away...Lookaway...
"Look away!"Her mother had warned on that fateful night. She'd felt just as helpless as Stel, watching her parents stand in the darkness. The grim memories returned to Elsa in a tumultuous whirlwind."Forgive me,"Iduna's voice echoed before she'd Force-pushed Elsa to safety.
"Look away,"Yelena had told her just the same, yet Elsa hadn't listened. And that moment...The horrid sight and sound of her parents being gunned down crushed her.
"The cycle won't stop here,"Evara, Wraith of the Force called out."And no matter how much you try to avoid me further, you cannot hide from the truth. Look at your mother's people. If you die, will they be free? Look to your student. What if after you're gone, the same pain that took you rages on in him?"
No,Elsa spoke from within.
"You cannot give in, Elsa Dellian. Not now. Not whenyou'vecome this far."
What if they're right about me?
"Trust thatIam right about you,"Evara asserted."When did the words of doubters garner more power than those who believe in you? You are a child of Aren. Your mother's fire burns in your heart. Now rise! Rise, daughter of the north!"
Elsa's blurred vision refocused as Honeymaren attacked. The glint of her spear was swift and daunting as Elsa rolled to evade. As soon as Honeymaren impaled the ground where she would've been, Elsa snatched her forearms and pulled downward. Heaving the chieftain to the ground, Elsa's surprise attack had caught her completely off guard. Honeymaren's spear sank into the snow as Elsa recovered her weapon's broken tip. The chieftain was just about to recover from her daze when she felt Elsa suddenly pressing the spear to her neck.
Stel gasped in astonished relief while Frost quietly lowered his rifle. With fury in her eyes and vigor in her heart, Elsa shouted, "Yield!"
Disarmed but far from defeated, Honeymaren sneered up at her foe. "Never," she growled.
"You have fought honorably!" Elsa continued. "This recklessness has to end. Your people need you here. Not throwing away your life for pride! Nowyield!"
Honeymaren's nostrils flared as the snow engulfed her dark locks. Staring up at Elsa, she spoke breathily. "Where were you when we needed you most?" she hissed. "Where were you before we lost...everything?"
Elsa pursed her lips and slowly lowered the spear's tip. "Nothing I say will ever be a sufficient answer for you nor anyone here," she professed. "Had it been up to me, the entire planet would've had Republic aid years ago. But this is where we are." Elsa rose from the ground and offered a hand to the chieftain. "This is where we can choose to stand now." With a heavy breath, Honeymaren accepted Elsa's hand and was hoisted up. Ryder finally let himself loosen up after he'd been death-gripping his cloak. "This is where weallstand," Elsa declared. "Northuldra...Trolls...servants of the Republic. And soon more will see what we can resolve together. The task of rebuilding Aren won't be easy, but together wecanand will make this happen. I come before you not only as a Jedi, but as the daughter of Iduna. A daughter of the north. And I promise you, we will free those who are enslaved and restore Aren."
Her words were met with reinvigorated hope. The likes of which hadn't been seen among even the most broken of the burrow's spirits. Honeymaren returned to Ryder, needing a moment to contemplate all of which had transpired. Meanwhile, Stel eagerly dashed up to Elsa and embraced her. "You were amazing, master!" Despite his enthusiasm, the boy immediately panicked when her bending down prompted pain. "Sorry!" Stel worried.
"It's alright," she assured while assessing her shoulder. "I just need a bacta bandage."
"I'll take care of her," Frost insisted. "Hey kid, still remember what I taught you about transmitters?"
"Ummm I think so?" Stel mumbled.
"Go with Doubles and get comms set up for our check-in with Admiral Taka. I trust you with technology more than I do Rip." While Stel scurried to help with comms, Frost returned his focus to Elsa.
"I'm fine," the Jedi assured in advance. "And while I appreciate the care, Icanapply the bandage myself," she teased.
"If you can rest...rest." Frost implored while Elsa sat along an oblong stone. Retrieving a bacta-laced bandage from a supply crate, the commander was quick to return.
"Thisisn'tabout the wound, is it?" Elsa inquired as Frost sighed.
"There's a reason I'm keeping my helmet on," the commander confessed. "The last thing anyone needs is to see my worried expression while talking to you. Morale is already cracking." Elsa's raised brow was hastily met by Frost's rebuttal. "You may have rallied the locals, but the troops are...concerned. And frankly, so am I."
"Frost?" Elsa worried and leaned back to look at him.
Her companion sulked. "Free those who are enslaved and restore Aren. That's a pretty bigpromise, Elsa."
"But is it not what came here to do?"
"Itis...but once you solidify that into a promise, everything shifts. The very people you've just rallied now hinge on every action you take next. Every decision you act on will make or break their image of you and the promises you've spoken of. You need to be careful. More careful than challenging a chieftain to a fight to the death."
"While I appreciate your concern-" Elsa began. "-I knew what I was doing, Frost."
"But respectfully, have you faced the reality of our circumstances?" Elsa tilted her head as Frost sat beside her. "Yes, you won the fight against Honeymaren. But there was a moment where things looked quite the opposite." Elsa leaned forward as Frost persisted. "You might've been willing to spare her, but the chieftain was striking to kill. And there was an instant where I felt I had to intervene. Luckily, it never came to that," he added before Elsa could scold him. "What I'm trying to say is that I am no Jedi, but I can feel theangeron this planet. None of these factions are going to give up without a fight. And it's all a ticking time bomb just waiting to blow. You must see this too."
Gazing out at the rejoicing survivors, Elsa hung her head. "I do," she admitted.
"You know I'll always tell it to you like it is," Frost assured. "But I don't think we can stun our way out of this one." He returned Elsa's utility belt to her hands. She glanced down at her lightsaber and observed their pensive reflections in its arcetron plating. "By taking this path to liberate Aren...waris inevitable."
No cover of night could shroud the damages sustained at the Aren guard post. Blinding searchlights swayed across the nearby slope and lower valleys. While several soldiers re-established the perimeter, an officer reported to his cloaked superior. "We've been at this for hours, sir," he huffed. "Still nothing. However, the surviving guard stationed hereisout of recovery."
Fruitless results meant nothing to Master Gaston, but news of a survivor was enough to humor his attention. He craned his thick neck as a speeder bike whirred towards the outpost. Its stern-faced driver offered a cold nod as a uniformed passenger stepped off. While the skirmish had cursed her with an irksome limp, Yopa forced herself forward. Her dark red bun was only set ablaze by a brief spotlight. She stood at attention and watched as Gaston withdrew a holoprojector.
"Soldier," he murmured while activating the device. The ensuing projection showed security footage of Elsa deflecting laserfire. "What can you tell me about the Jedi you encountered?"
Yopa huffed. "She was...stronger than anticipated. There was child with her as well. Given his attire, I'd deduce that he too was a Jedi."
"Intriguing," Gaston replied and scratched at his chin. His dark brows knitted when Yopa withdrew a datapad. "What's this?" he asked.
"Their escape with our prisoners wasn't exactly a defeat for us," Yopa explained. After handing the device to Gaston, she unclipped a uniquely-plated pistol from her belt. "While they were fleeing, I managed totagthe youngling." Gaston observed the datapad as a flashing blip appeared onscreen. "Subcutaneous tracker shot," Yopa explained. "We used to apply these on cattle, but they've proven effective for hunting these insurgents. One shot leaves a homing device embedded beneath the skin. Follow the signal-"
A sinister smirk crept across Gaston's lips as he traced the blip on the datapad's digital map. "-find our enemies," he concluded.
Author's Note:Thank you so much for reading this week's installment of "The Frozen Force!" It is so exciting to be back in action and delivering content. Thank you all for the patience, support, and love you continue to show this story. I'll see you next Friday, November 18th forChapter: 115 - The Calm Before the Storm. This has been a wild ride. But through every setup and setback, we are almost to the end of Season 4!
Long Live Imagination and May the Force be with you!